Aboriginal History

There remains evidence today of Aboriginal occupation within the boundaries of Lake Parramatta Reserve in the form of remnant shelters, hand-stencils, flaking scars and deposits. It’s possible that other sites were inundated with the construction of the dam in the 1800’s. The local clans were known as the Burramatagal, from which Parramatta got its name.

Early European – early 1800’s

“several hours (may be) occupied in contemplating the natural beauties of the variegated scene, surrounded by the stately forest which protects it from the scorching summer sun, in the centre of it’s valley, encompassed by stupendous rocks, a murmuring stream, delectable to the taste, meanders to the untaught notes of nature’s feathered care, that charm the ear with wild irregularity. Here caverns open to the untouched tribe, whose far recess forbids the approach of rude and chilling winds” (source unknown, as cited in James Jervis, 1938).

The need for clean water – the mid 1800’s

Water at the Marsden Street weir was of poor quality because of the shale/clay geology of the Toongabbie Creek catchment. Lake Parramatta offered a clean and reliable water supply. James Pye, a local orchardist and owner of the Lamb and Lark Inn at Baulkham Hills, offered the land at nominal cost so that the land could be built.  The dam was finished in 1856 under the supervision of “Percy” Simpson for a total cost of $17,000 pounds. The sandstone used for the dam was quarried locally.

• The dam wall is 15m high.

• Surface area of the Lake is 10 hectares

• The Lake holds 485,000 cubic metres of water which is equivalent to the volume of water held in 9,700 backyard swimming pools

A place for relaxing – the early 1900’s

In 1909, the lake and surrounding reserve was dedicated as a recreation area, and was popular for picnics and recreation.

A big pool – 1920’s and 30’s

The Lake was a popular swimming hole,with the largest inland freshwater lifesaving club in Australia.

1970’s and 80's

The lack of consistently good water quality led to “No Swimming” signs being erected in the mid 1980’s.

1990’s - 2000's

The Trust's "Streamly Clean" project highlighted the community's desire to swim again in Lake Parramatta. This lead to the "Swim Toward 2005 - Help clean up Lake Parramatta" project - Community days were held between 199 and 2004. The Trust aslo commissioned the three stage study into water quality. parramatta Council commenced a program to control the domestic duck population at the Lake, to reduce the impact on water quality.

In June 2006, Parramatta City Council agreed to permit swimming duting specific events or when under the control of suitable clubs. Council and the club will have to agree on suitable protocols to reduce any risks for swimmers. On the 3rd December 2006, the first swimming event is proposed in a event celebrating Fresh Water.

The future –

Its up to us!